A punter who attended Victoria’s Golden Plains Festival last weekend has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the ABC, it is believed the attendee recently travelled overseas and became unwell on Sunday.
The event took place at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre in Victoria with around 12,000 attendees.
The event was headlined by Pixies who today announced they would suspend the remainder of their Australian tour dates.
In the lead up to the event, organisers encouraged extra health precautions, advising punters to wash their hands regularly and to stay at home if they had a viral or bacterial illness.
Festivals like Dark Mofo, Coachella, and SXSW have all announced their cancellation or postponed dates in light of the coronavirus spread.
More on this as it develops.
UPDATE 13/03/20: According to a statement from the festival, an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined the individual that has since tested positive for COVID-19 was not unwell with the infection during the festival. “As a result, no further public health action is required by festival attendees, including workers, volunteers and artists,” reads the statement. Read the statement in full below.
Current information regarding a case of COVID-19
13 March 2020
Thank you for sharing your concerns and seeking accurate information.
We have been working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to respond to a case of COVID-19 linked to Golden Plains Festival.
The DHHS has now completed its investigation. It has been determined that the individual to which the case relates was not unwell with the infection during the festival.
As a result, no further public health action is required by festival attendees, including workers, volunteers and artists.
We appreciate and respect the commitment by the DHHS and others to make thorough assessments in order to provide accurate information.
Thank you, too, for continuing to look after yourself and others.
At this stage, there are no further updates scheduled.
For information and guidance about the current outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please visit: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
